I have seen a number of clients recently who are pregnant, and as I am delighted to also announce that I am in my 6th month of pregnancy, I thought it apt to do a post about nails during pregnancy!
Some people will find that their nails grow quicker and stronger whilst pregnant, where as others will find that the rarely grow at all. There are also those that will grow as normal, but start to flake and peel (which is the option mine have chosen).
There is a possibility that your nail beds may become oilier whilst pregnant, which will mean that enhancements and polishes will not last as long, where as some people will find their nail beds to be more dehydrated and enhancements and polish will last longer.
A way of combating oiler nail beds, is to ensure that they are fully dehydrated before applying any type of nail coating. CND's Scrub fresh is very good for this and can be used before Shellac, enhancements or polish. OPI's Bond Aid - used after NAS 99 is also very good, used before an enhancement of polish (this should not be used for a Shellac service).
For those with drier nails, moisturiser and almond oil (I love Solar Oil or Avoplex Oil) are very helpful, not only to keep your nails in a moisturised condition, but will also extend the life of your enhancement. For example, clients that use Solar Oil on their Shellac services seem to find that they last better than those that don't!
There are concerns whilst pregnant with some types of enhancement treatments (not the enhancement itself). Some salons, especially the lower end salons have poor ventilation, the use of Liquid & Powder (Acrylic enhancements) are especially potent and it is not advisable to spend too long in enclosed spaces with these fumes. There is no evidence that nail enhancements are unsuitable for pregnant people, but be careful about infection and the environment in which you get your treatments as you do not want to put yourself at risk with a weakened immune system.
Nail beds and cuticles can become incredible sensitive whilst pregnant, in fact some women have this at certain times during their cycles, so it may be more comfortable to have manicures, or a soak off gel/Shellac service throughout pregnancy as this means there is less pressure from files on your nail beds.
Some nails develop ridges during pregnancy, don't panic, this is down to hormones and can easily be remedied with gentle buffing. Using a ridge filler base coat (I like OPI's Ridge Filler which contains silk) will ensure that painted nails will look smooth.
I personally have found that my nails need to be protected continuously, and I have been using either Shellac or my OPI Axxium Soak Off Gels to keep them from becoming too brittle. This has not been helped with the colder weather!! Saying this, I have found that looking after them has improved their condition, so there is hope if your nails are not faring that well whilst pregnant!
The most important thing to remember when you are pregnant is that your body is going through a lot of changes. If you nail condition has changed, don't worry, this will, in the main, go back to normal after your baby is born.
I hope that you have found this helpful. Do let me know if you have any further advice!!
My pregnancy blog can be read at: http://nobodytoldmethiswouldhappenwithababy.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for reading :)
xxx